05/2008
4 February 2008
“Virgin Blue’s re-entry into the Canberra-Sydney route today is good for all users of air travel”, the Minister for Finance and Deregulation, the Hon Lindsay Tanner MP, said today.
“Virgin Blue is offering 16 flights daily between Canberra and Sydney at a range of times that are likely to meet government and business needs.
“I expect that the introduction of competition on this route will mean better service and lower prices, benefiting business, leisure travellers and government departments and agencies.
“In order to promote continued competition, the Government is requiring departments and agencies to use Virgin Blue and any other smaller airlines for at least 25 per cent of their total work-related travel on the Canberra-Sydney route,” Mr Tanner said.
Agencies’ compliance with this target will be monitored through a requirement to report quarterly on their usage of all airlines on the route.
Australian Government departments, in addition to taking the steps above, are already required to obtain the Best Fare of the Day for work related air travel. This is the cheapest fare which suits official requirements.
“The Government is committed to fostering competition and achieving savings,” Mr Tanner concluded| Media Contacts: |
Website: |
| Minister Tanner - George Wright - 0419 556 616 | www.financeminister.gov.au |
